GIG OF THE WEEK: ALAN DAVIES

Alan Davies has a naturally funny manner, whether he's discussing why he finds Quentin Tarantino's films unsatisfactory ("I need more than a bit of quirky dialogue about cheese- burgers") or explaining why Arsenal aren't top of the Premiership ("What's gone wrong with Arsenal is that Manchester United win every game they play.")

He could win any talkathon going. "If Radio 1 broke down, I could keep it going for 24 hours," he says. "I can't shut up." This gift of the gab is what makes him such a likable stand-up. He is joined by a high-class line-up of Tony Hawks, Arthur Smith, Mark Thomas, John Maloney and Rosie Ash at The Alternative Royal Variety Show benefit for the Neonatal Unit at St George's Hospital.